Realizing a Circular Concrete Industry in Denmark through an Integrated Product, Service and System Perspective

Abstract

Concrete is the most commonly used material worldwide, often associated with an irreversible production process and waste generation at the end-of-life. As such, the concrete industry holds large untapped potentials for moving towards more circular economy (CE) practices. Product service system (PSS) offerings incentivize CE through extending product use, improving product performance and developing responsible end-of-life and take-back strategies. A broader definition of the concept of PSS is suggested, and a conceptual framework for realizing CE at the ‘product’, ‘service’ and ‘system’ dimensions is provided. The framework is applied to the case of concrete industry in Denmark. The aim was to cast new light on how the concrete industry can realize CE through a broader ‘product’, as well as ‘service’ and ‘system’ perspective. The selected case is analyzed through nine semi-structured interviews, additional secondary data, and follow-up dialogue with selected stakeholders. Results indicate a ‘product’ perspective may lead to savings on input material cost, improved efficiency of resource use, and reduced concrete waste quantities. A ‘service’ perspective can bring new market opportunities for concrete producers to adapt solutions to users’ needs. A ‘system’ focus calls for new forms of organization and collaboration, as well as the expansion of networks within and across different stakeholder groups.